There's been plenty of chatter over the last few months about <a href="http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/index">Mercedes-Benz's</a> next EV release, but all the speculation was put to rest today at the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=detroit+auto+show">2011 Detroit Auto Show</a> where the famed company made the public unveil of their SLS AMG E-Cell prototype! The new supercar features four electric motors, and has a killer kick of 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque and is capable of reaching zero to 62 mph in just four seconds flat, all features that no one was really paying attention to because we were too busy ogling the jaw-dropping paint job on this sweet ride - a retina-searing electric yellow!

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SLS AMG E-Cell

Without question, the SLS AMG E-Cell is a prime example of the boundless possibilities in the realm alternative fuel <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/automotive">automotives</a>.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

The driving program is incredibly flexible, simple and effective.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

In the Comfort setting, the SLS shows its soft side, utilizing just 40 percent of the motors’ capability and is hyper aware of inputs.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

However, changing over to the Sport drive, the throttle response gets a bit sharper, and 60 percent of the power and torque are up for grabs.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

And if you're feeling especially adventurous, you can take it a step higher with the vehicle's highest performance mode: Sport+.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

With Sport+ you get a super-aggressive throttle and 526 hp, which is the car's total capacity.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

An additional mode, Manual, simulates Sport+, but forgoes any use of regenerative braking.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

The <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/automotive">vehicle </a>also features four options for regenerative braking in addition to the possibility of shutting it off completely in Manual mode.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

Paddles on the steering wheel let you adjust the resistance to give a feel that will range from coasting to something that is a bit more aggressive.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

In fact at the highest resistance, Mercedes considered switching on the brake lights as the driver would release their foot from the accelerator.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

Monitoring the vehicle is as easy as touching a screen, where the SLS hosts a new instrument cluster with 9-inch LCD touch screen for situation awareness.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

And given that there no gears to shift, the driver can easily maneuver between Park, Drive, and Reverse with a push of three large buttons on the center console.

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SLS AMG E-Cell

Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage straight from the Detroit Auto Show!

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SLS AMG E-Cell

There's been plenty of chatter over the last few months about Mercedes-Benz's next EV release, but all the speculation was put to rest today at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show where the famed company made the public unveil of their SLS AMG E-Cell prototype! The new supercar features four electric motors, and has a killer kick of 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque and is capable of reaching zero to 62 mph in just four seconds flat, all features that no one was really paying attention to because we were too busy ogling the jaw-dropping paint job on this sweet ride - a retina-searing electric yellow!